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Saturday, March 31, 2012

Blogger Love: Spring Inspiration




Edited by: Jess of Fresh Jess

The turn of the season can trigger a serious need to purge, refresh and recharge our style. While the sun shines brighter and each day gets longer, our bloggers are finding fashion inspiration everywhere they look. From runways and designer collaborations to hip-hop and the Hunger Games. From gardens and fairy tales to rainbows and relics of beautiful starlets past, this week's Links a la Mode is just a peek at what’s making bloggers tick this spring. Enjoy!

THE IFB WEEKLY ROUNDUP: LINKS À LA MODE: MARCH 29TH


SPONSOR:
New at ShopbopZespa, Cobra Society, CNC Sandals, Chris Benz, Milly, DKNY Dresses, Black Halo, Tai Bracelets, Enza Costa, Kors Watches, Sailormade, Tibi Sandals & Heidi Klein
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Thursday, March 29, 2012

Project Runway All-Star Mondo Guerra Parties for Charity

 Fan favorite and design talent Mondo Guerra celebrated his big win of Project Runway All-Stars in his home town of Denver, Colorado.  Beauty Bar and Popchips helped host a carnival-themed party for the fashion designer to benefit the Denver Colorado Aids Project, a charity close to Mondo's heart.
Fellow designers Ivy Higa & Casanova, Anya & Fallene and model Jessamine Kelley joined the champion, indulging in star treatment of manicures, nostalgic games and festive snacks. They all watched as Mondo Guerra triumphed over competitors Austin Scarlett and Michael with a black and white patterned collection called "Thearapy" at NYC's Gotham Hall.

The Denver Colorado Aids Project is an organization that aims to meet the changing needs of people affected by HIV through prevention, care and advocacy.  To volunteer or donate, more information can be found here.http://coloradoaidsproject.org/support/

Photos by Justin Fritt for Pop Chips
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Monday, March 26, 2012

FAB Exclusive: Styling Secrets with June Ambrose


june ambrose interview
June Ambrose is the celebrity stylist ruling VH1’s new show, “Styled by June”.  More than shopping for pretty clothes, Ms. Ambrose is also put to the task of designer, publicist, business planner, life coach and therapist among other roles for her job.  She directs the personal look and branding of clients that range from Mischa Barton, to Jaleel White to Michelle Williams.

Starting from an unlikely background in investment banking, the stylist described as “revolutionary” by Jay-Z and “an artist” by model Naomi Campbell transitioned into music and costume design before emerging as the go-to person to help a celebrity craft their style swagger. 

Mariana Leung of Ms. FABulous caught the superwoman for a quick interview after the launch of her show:

MsFABulous: What has been the most unusual situation that was asked of you as a stylist?

June Ambrose: I shot a country star music video on a remote island and had tons of wardrobe to get to a beach on a small boat! 

MsF: Your assistants have very different temperaments.  What qualities do you look for when hiring your staff?

JA: Passion, hardworking and honesty. 

MsF: Are there designers you count upon when dressing a client for the red carpet?

JA: Eli Saab, Tom Ford, Zac Posen, Vera Wang 

MsF: Who has been your favorite client to work with?

JA: XFactor was great, it was a great creative platform. Week after week I was responsible for developing and crafting the images of the contestants! Every genre of music.. A lot of work but very fulfilling. 

MsF:: Who are the designers you personally like to wear? 

JA: YSL, Jean Paul Gaultier, Dries Van Noten, Phillip Lim, jCrew, Charlotte Olympia, Louboutin, Rodarte footwear 

MsF: Do you have any personal styling secrets or advice for our readers for updating their personal look?

JA: I like to reinvent my classic suits with trendy tips, Prints or colors. 
Metallics Accessories are great for day and night! They have rock start appeal. 
I use body garment even on small frames! It keeps the body upright and looking firm. 

MsF: Thanks so much June!

Styled By June airs on VH1 on Mondays at 9:30 PM (EST), or check out the site to watch video from the show.
Photo Credit: Ezequiel De La Rosa/VH1 
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True to Basics Tibi Fall 2012

tibi fall 2012
There is something to be said for simplicity.  That seemed to be the rule for Tibi's Fall 2012 collection.  The first half was a mix of black and white separates.  Various scales of a pretty bird print were used, as well as some interesting textural applique finishes.  The second half were a mix of very basic silhouettes of straight skirts, straight cropped pants, boat neck tops and jackets without collars.  The color palette for these were deep, rich jewel tones of burgundy and teal with metallics.

OK, it's not earth shattering in forward design, but easily understood and wearable (translated: salable).  If you are being cautious in fashion for fear of the economic climate, designers go one of two ways.  Play it safe like Tibi, or go all out and risk it all to show something new that will inspire people to buy.  I have seen clothing brands try both, and only the cash register judges in the end.

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Sunday, March 25, 2012

Blogger Love: First of Spring

Edited by: Wendy of Show Me Chic

The blogging world is abuzz with spring fever! Tuesday marked the first day of this warmer season, and everyone is talking about it. Looking for tips on how to clean out your closet? Wondering what the season’s hottest trends are? Interested in Women’s History Month? Not sure if you can work the backpack trend into your wardrobe? Ready for an awesome DIY? Curious about what bloggers are wearing on these lovely days? Search no further! This list has you covered.

THE IFB WEEKLY ROUNDUP:

My Fashion Wishlist: Believe It Or Not: Trendy Backpacks
Just Pandippo: Spring Closet Cleaning Challenges
The Sequined Blazer: What to Wear: Transitioning to Spring
Real Girl Glam: How to Wear a BOLD Lip (Even if you’re not a lipstick person)
Fashion Tales: DIY: Camouflage Jeans
Show Me Chic: Summer Dress in Spring!
Thankfifi: Princess Peplum (and florals!)
The Forgetful Wife: Mad Men, Mad Week: Betty, Peggy, & Joan 2012
Leilah's Lipstick: One LBD, 6 Different Ways
Sequined Sprinkles: 3 Favorite Things: Chambray Shirt, White Jeans, & Loafers
Gypsy Luster: Rock the Red (Lipstick) for Women’s History Month
A Lacey Perspective: Date Night: Black Leather Shorts & Floral Blazer
Sweet Escape: Trend: Asymmetrical Hi-Low Skirt
Simply Frabulous: It’s Spring, Time to Blossom
Aspiring New Moms: Navy & Neon
Effortless Cool: A Lesson in Pastels
The Fashion Firecracker: Colorblocking in the Sun
Tobruck Ave: Print Mixing on the Beach
Notes from a Stylist: How to Spring Clean Your Closet
Incognito: Classic Books Become Couture Clutches

SPONSOR:
New Sunglasses at Shopbop: Cheap Monday, Marc Jacobs, Karen Walker, McQueen, Gucci, Chloe, Super, Acne, Balenciaga, Dita, Ray Bans, Proenza Schouler & Tom Ford Sunglasses

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Saturday, March 24, 2012

Meet the Bloggers at Ruia Boutique



Thursday night, I was invited by the team at luxury shoe boutique Ruia to speak about myself and blog. I was joined by two other amazing bloggers, Lera of Fashion Addict Diary and Stephanie of NewYork Fashion Hunter.

Chocolate,wine and champagne from Ayza Wine Bar were served to a well heeled group of guests. These included shoe designer Kora Mancini who wore a pair of her inventive boots and is represented in the boutique. I got to meet with other bloggers as well as reps from Digs boutique. I was ecstatic to also be joined by college friend June, and former co-workers Stella and Nyree.

Lera spoke about the history of fashion blogging, and how she was a part of it's development. She is a self-taught fashion 'expert' who has had some great blogger perks, such as being flown out to Paris by Chanel to review their line.

Stephanie Unter's blog is focused on her own shopping adventures and search for the perfect accessory.

My presentation for Ms. Fabulous included my journey from Parsons through all of my jobs in the fashion industry that have shaped my blogging.

All in all, it was a great night. I loved meeting the other bloggers. It is always interesting to see how different every blogger's vision can be!
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Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Proper Attire by Isaac Mizrahi

isaac mizrahi"Proper Attire Required For Entry" is the cheeky tagline on the collection of designer condoms launched by fashion icon Isaac Mizrahi last night.  The protective gear is offered in pink gingham, polka dots and abstract floral print.  

This unique collaboration came about because the designer wanted stylish condoms that women would feel comfortable carrying around.  Other fashion designers who have participated in this project include Rebecca Minkoff.  The event was a festive night at the Soho Grand Hotel, with champagne cocktails garnished with suggestive raspberries and coordinating petit fours.

Proceeds benefit the Planned Parenthood organization. The collection will be for sale at MOCA in California as well as Opening Ceremony boutique. 
isaac mizrahi condoms

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Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Chloe Comme Parris Fall 2012

chloe comme parris
 Rebel ladies and sister acts.  The designers of Chloe Comme Parris at Toronto Fashion Week have had a lifelong relationship as sisters to develop their skills.  For their Fall 2012 show, the label has really come into their own.  A bit of 1920's floral prints, black basics, and fall's most important accessory, fur stoles showed a mature collection for the duo.

The shoe fairy seems to plague Toronto runways.  A model at the show tripped over her shoes and had to remove them to finish her walk.

 The Gordon girls showed their love of Medieval influences and Erte art with the braided hairstyles and dark lipstick.  Overall, the clothes were sexy and chic.  I see big things ahead for this family!


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Sunday, March 18, 2012

Event Invitation: Meet the Blogger Party!

 

The hottest Shoe Boutique in NYC will host three top fashion bloggers Thursday night:
Fashion Addict Diary
Ms. FABulous
New York Fashion Hunter

For an Exclusive "Meet the Blogger" Evening!
YOU ARE INVITED!
Thursday March 22nd, 2012
6.30 -9 pm
Soho boutique location (sent upon confirmation)
Enjoy wine, chocolates, gift certificates to shoes, spas and more!
Limited invitations available, so RSVP as soon as possible 
(does not guarantee admittance unless confirmed)
E-mail mariana@msfabulous.com 
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Martin Lim Fall 2012

The couple that designs together stays together...For Toronto's World Mastercard Fashion Week, Husband and wife team Danielle Martin and Pao Lim showed their first collection since winning the Mercedes-Benz Start-up competition.  

Their Fall 2012 collection a mix of cool pastels and basic black and cream for its color palette.  Fall's trend of color-blocking resulted in flattering silhouettes. Tonal color leggings extended the body line.  Artful draping kept things interesting but highly wearable.

As pretty as this collection was, many of the looks seemed more suited for Spring than cold Canadian fall and winters.
I love the idea of a couple working as a team to produce a collection.  If I attempted the same with my hubby, the results would be quite different...  If you are a designer who wants to enter the 2012 collection, details can be found here.

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Thursday, March 15, 2012

TORONTO FASHION WEEK; Joe Fresh Fall 2012

joe fresh fall 2012
joe fresh fall 2012 Groovy baby!  Canada's most recognizable fashion brand, Joe Fresh presented their fashion show yesterday.    The collection had a lot of  1960's inspired silhouettes.  Mod mini-skirts and dresses, tight cigarette pants and cozy duffle coats were flattering to all.  The color palette was a rainbow of warm fall shades of maroon, orange, mustard and red, as well a cool palette of bright blue and green.  Black and white was used in the form of basics or over-sized houndstooth pattern.  Chunky knit hats, faux fur stoles and boxy handbags were the accessories of choice.  
joe fresh fall 2012
This is always the most highly anticipated show in Toronto and most likely to have Canadian celebs in the front row. Fellow designer colleagues make it out next to the runway too, such as Pink Tartan designer Kimberley Newport-Mimran and designer Evan Biddell.  

While the patent leather jackets, sexy mini dresses and tailored coats look fabulous down the catwalk, what will actually be found in the stores might be very different.  Patent leather, wool and detailed knits could give way to vinyl, nylon blends and machine knits to hit their famed low price point. The tailoring that makes the models look sharp could be refit to accommodate a larger variety of bodies.

 Joe Fresh, by designer Joe Mimran started out as a supermarket clothing line known for its trendy styling.  Within the last year, it has made a big splash with shops on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.  Whether you like your jackets next to the juice aisle or one of the many people carrying the orange bag on the streets of NYC, one thing is clear.  Joe Fresh is a hit.
A rose for designer Joe Mimran from a happy investor?
Photos by David TW Leung
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Wednesday, March 14, 2012

TORONTO FASHION WEEK: Pavoni Fall 2012

Red carpet glamour came down the runway at David Pecault Square Monday.  The beautifully beaded gowns had intricate pleating or ruffles. The color palette was simple.  Rich dark reds, sexy black, champagne, ivory and platinum.  These dress masterpieces rival any Haute Couture catwalk in Paris, counting celebrities like Shaikira and Katy Perry as fans.

The designer duo, Gianna Falcone and Mike Derderian were childhood BFFs from Montreal.  They have already sold to clients all over Europe and the Middle East.  However, this is the first time the designers are showing in their home country.  The irony is they have yet to find a Canadian store to carry them.  While that oversight should quickly be rectified, for now it is clearly their loss.

Photos by David TW Leung
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Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Pigs! Punk and Magic Carpets - Korhani Fall 2012


Hands down, my favorite fashion show accessory ever ....Teacup pigs!  Korhani Home wowed the crowd at Toronto Fashion Week yesterday with a theatrical runway show.  The home decor company created fanciful looks out of their diverse collection of rugs.

The fashion show was divided into three themes.  First, an Asian pop art influenced group with Mongolian silhouettes, kimono sleeves or Kabuki makeup images.  The second carried a Venetian Carnivale theme.  Some baroque patterns, dramatic opera outfits and elaborate masks gave an air of mystique.  Third a punk themed group using tartans and houndstooth patterns for a rebellious look.  The guests went wild when they saw the tiny little piglets carried by the models.  I hope they weren't hurt by all of the studs...

It wasn't clear to me whether or not the clothing was meant to be purchased.  Or, was this a showy marketing event?  The Korhani Home brand has often portrayed its ties to fashion trends in their advertising. I suppose they found it was the time to make that association literal.


Photos by David TW Leung
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Monday, March 12, 2012

Top Jewelry Trends from NY Fashion Week

Love bling?  Me too.  After sorting through all my NY Fashion week photographs I found the top three trends for Fall 2012 that you can wear now for spring!  Ms. FABulous has partnered with Ice Jewelry to bring you a collection inspired by the runway.
 Bold colors featured on many runways.  From Vivienne Tam, to Anna Sui, Catherine Malandrino to BCBG Max Azria.  In jewelry, this meant large, framed colored stones or chunk bright enamel.  Check out the green onyx bangle and bluHVG GYM WPe topaz onyx earrings for this look.

 Vintage glamour was a top trend for evening wear designers.  Zang Toi brought lots of drama at his show with old Hollywood sirens in red and black.  Ruby lips, jet crystal and some Eastern influence from Tadashi Shoji and Josie Natori truly brought elegance to the runway.  Look for the multi-strand jet necklace or garnet chokers to dress up the most basic of outfits.
Chandeliers earrings were all over the funkiest designers like Betsey Johnson, to sophisticated designers like Zang Toi.  Glitzy drops also elevated the rustic charm of Candela's fashion presentation as well.  My must-have for the season are diamond and sterling silver earrings or a pair of dangling cognac quartz beauties!
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Friday, March 9, 2012

Happy 25th Birthday Kipling!


Accessories brand Kipling celebrated their quarter century anniversary by inviting eight international artists to "play" with their classic bags.

Fashion photographer Paul Graves recreated his image of a totem pole composed of fashion media.  Stylist Vincent Gaipaillard, inspired by nature, made a caterpillar out of Kipling bags.  Photographer Alex Salinas created a monkey, Kipling's mascot.

Music for the event were spun by DJ Ilirjana Alushaj.  The exhibit and party was hosted at Chelsea event space Helen Mills.

Cross brand designer collaborations are everywhere these days.  This one is unusual where the branded product acts as the actual material for the artwork.  Let's see if the monkey wants a solo show next...
Photos by Tom Concordia.
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Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Subdued Cool at Richard Chai Fall 2012



Shout-out to my fellow Parsons School of Design alumni Richard Chai.  He has been one of the more notable successes from my graduation year.  He just landed a collaboration with boot brand Palladium and is the darling of men's and women's hipster threads.

At Parsons, we used to joke that black and grey were the official school colors.  It seems he brought that reference back as the first half of the show were variations of black and grey separates or stripes.  There was a bit more color added in the form of very subdued hues of navy and russet along with the black and grey.




This is a designer that manages to show men's and women's looks seamlessly, so they actually look like they come from the same collection.  Richard Chai isn't doing anything earth-shattering, but wearable.  Some of the jackets had odd proportions. The over-sized 3/4 coats on women looked like she was borrowing from her father, and the short, wide double breasted jackets on the men just looked ill fitting.

More school references... The giant backpacks seemed to be a throwback to all of the supplies we used to have to carry to class. At the risk of dating myself, Chai also had modernized versions of Morissey songs as the soundtrack.  It was the sleep-deprived student's anthem.


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Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Exotics for the Uninitiated



Animal lover, but not not an animal-print lover?  Afraid of being the cougar on the block?  Exotics are a big trend for spring, but leopard spots and tiger stripes never made their way in my closet.  So what do you do to show off this trend?

For my look, I grabbed a printed silk shift dress in tonal grey colors.  The graphics were more of a collage of animal photos than skin print.  The monochromatic palette, as well as the soft fabric is one way to make the look more subtle.  

Still need ways to tone down the  beast?  Try small scale versions of animal prints.  Minuscule leopard prints can look like a dainty dot or texture when they are small enough.

Use exotics as an accent.  A belt, a scarf or bold handbag is the easiest way to show your stripes if you are not comfortable wrapping your body in it.  The great thing about this trend is that it can be dressed up with great jewelry or dressed down with fitted jeans.

It's warming up outside...Get ready to ROAR! 
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Monday, March 5, 2012

English Socialites from Douglas Hannant Fall 2012


Wallis Simpson is having a huge revival these days.  Madonna made a movie about the controversial Duchess of Windsor and she was the muse for Douglas Hannant's collection for Fall 2012.  

The designer dressed up the NY Performing Arts Library to look like the English countryside in autumn.  The clothing was a mix of proper ladies suits, equestrian references with some sexy evening wear.  Checks and houndstooth were a dominant pattern.  Black, cream, purple and pumpkin were the popular colors of Hannant's palette.

Douglas Hannant has always catered to the socialite class of New York City.  This was reflected in the guests who attended the show.  The runway staging was definitely for their benefit, as the lighting certainly wasn't in the photographer's favor!



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Friday, March 2, 2012

Blogger Love: The Eyes of March


The Eyes of March


SPONSOR:
New Sandals at Shopbop: Steven, Yosi Samra, LD Tuttle, Report Signature, Aquazzura, Minkoff, Rachel Zoe, Acne, Miista, Premiata, Loeffler Randall, Sam Edelman Sandals & Pelle Moda Shoes

PLEASE READ IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE
If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode group will be published later today. ~Jennine
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Thursday, March 1, 2012

Norisol Ferrari - Bespoke Punk Couture

 I met my new fashion heroine last week.  Her name is Norisol Ferrari.  She is a strong, Amazonian woman who makes no excuses for her super luxurious sable coats and makes no compromises in her quality and fit. She is often compared to Alexander McQueen, which she does not agree with, except to say they both are inspired by mens' tailoring and military uniforms.  Instead, she cites more historical references like Dior's New Look that she finds to be a muse, except she updates it with modern materials and some edgier gang references.  


She has very strong opinions on how many designers try to infantilize women.  She builds clothes for a woman's shape with an almost warrior-like passion.  Norisol has images of Frida Kahlo and Louise Brooks on her office wall.  She has trinkets and carved skulls from her travels and a wall of taxidermy to show her darker muses. 

Norisol proudly produces her collection with trusted artisans in New York.  She refuses to sell out or tailor her label to anything less than what truly inspires her, regardless of cost.  In this day of outsourcing and penny counting, her fashion manifesto is an career to look up to.

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